Violence overshadows Clássico Rei as Fortaleza crisis deepens | OneFootball

Tensions escalated in Fortaleza on Sunday as supporters of Ceará and Fortaleza clashed in multiple districts ahead of the Clássico Rei, according to Diário do Nordeste. The violence erupted just hours before the high-stakes Brasileirão clash at Castelão, with incidents reported in the neighbourhoods of Bom Jardim, Jóquei Clube, and Mondubim.

Footage captured by residents showed rival fans engaging in street fights and hurling stones along public roads. The disturbances left locals fearful, forcing many to remain indoors to avoid being caught in the crossfire.

Authorities had anticipated the risk of unrest and had already deployed significant resources for the derby. The security operation, outlined last Thursday, included 612 military police officers from specialist units such as CPChoque, CPC, and CPRaio, alongside environmental and traffic battalions. The Civil Police added 60 personnel, while the fire brigade mobilised 44 agents and Ciopaer helicopter support. In and around transport hubs, 82 members of Fortaleza’s Municipal Guard, 40 traffic officers, and supplementary municipal oversight bodies were also on duty for matchday.

Despite these precautions, violence flared in the hours before kick-off, once again highlighting the ongoing challenge of ensuring public safety during one of Brazilian football’s fiercest local derbies. Local police had yet to provide a detailed account of the incidents or confirm any arrests at the time of reporting.

On the pitch, the derby itself carried immense weight for Fortaleza, who entered the fixture looking to snap an eight-match winless streak under Juan Pablo Vojvoda. According to recent reporting from NE45 and Globo, squad problems continued to mount, with Moisés, Bruno Pacheco, and David Luiz all sidelined due to injury. Marinho was cleared to play in the derby after a suspension was temporarily lifted, while new signing José Herrera awaited a potential debut.

With Fortaleza mired in relegation trouble and discipline an increasing concern—the club tops the division for red cards—Sunday’s Clássico Rei presented an opportunity to change momentum both on and off the field. Yet, the disturbing scenes of street violence cast a shadow over one of Brazil’s most celebrated rivalries, underscoring the persistent issues surrounding fan behaviour and matchday security in major football cities.